Bob Dylan – Traveling Wilburys, Vol. 1 (1988)

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Parts of Bob Dylan’s soon-to-be-released record “Modern Times,” his first in five years, were “leaked” by Sony last Friday – and while I get my mind around those tracks, I’ve begun my own never-ending tour of his old stuff.

“TRAVELING WILBURYS, Vol. 1,” 1988

Recording a song a day, Dylan hooks up with old and new friends – including George Harrison and the great Roy Orbison – for some of his best and most lighthearted music of the decade. In fact, “Tweeter and the Monkey Man” may have been Dylan’s wittiest offering in years.

Though loaded with names, to my ear it was Dylan who acquits himself the best on the Wilbury projects — both here and on the underappreciated followup.

Nick’s Pick: This really cool moment where Dylan croaks out: “Rolled and tumbled, ’til I saw the light. Went to the Big Apple, took a bite.” He’s almost JUKING, man.

Nick DeRiso